Exclusive Boxing Interview: Jason Litzau

The American Boy Goes For Gold!

Featherweight Jason “The American Boy” Litzau, 23-1 (19), seems to have one mode when in the boxing ring; seek and destroy! Anyone who has seen Jason in action knows exactly what I mean. Over recent years, Litzau has been showcased on many ESPN fight cards and each time out, his bouts become more and more exciting. The reason is not because Litzau becomes a more complete fighter in each outing, but it has more to do with the frame of mind in which Jason steps into the ring.

Prior to his return bout after a lone career blemish, a KO loss to Jose Andres Hernandez in a bout he was winning comfortably up until the knockout, Jason was asked in an interview if he would change his style and add more defense. His reply was, “I am still going to fight the same way I always do, I step in the ring and it will be either me or him. The fans pay money to see the fight and with me they will get their money’s worth”.

A statement that we as fans appreciate, but also one that some observers have to question; how long can a fighter with that mentality last in this business? Especially with the featherweight and adjacent divisions being so deep in talent.

On February 29, Litzau will face IBF Featherweight title holder Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 21-1-1 (14), another 24 year old fighter who has gained a reputation for being all business in the ring and letting it all hang out once the bell sounds.

Add Guerreroʼs southpaw stance and the challenger from St. Paul, MN will be in for a tough task come fight night.

Will Litzau be the toe to toe warrior on fight night and let the cards fall where they may in hopes that his constant pressure and power punching are enough for the win? Will Litzau fight a tactical bout and use his boxing ability, then pour it on only when the opportunity presents itself, seeing there is so much on the line?

Only Litzau and his team know the answer to these questions, but in any case, I feel we will be in for one exciting bout.

Today, I had a chance to speak with Litzau about the upcoming title bout with Guerrero and had the chance to ask what would be his first order of business if he should succeed and became champion and more. Read it here exclusively at SaddoBoxing!

SaddoBoxing: As you wrap up training camp, how has everything been going? How do you feel?

Jason Litzau: “I feel good. I am down here in Florida with Buddy McGirt and Bob Van Cycle, my manager. Everything is going great.”

SB: You have built your reputation as a pressure fighter who likes to go all or nothing in the ring; with this being a title bout ,are we going to see Jason Litzau the fighter or are we going to see Jason Litzau the boxer?

JL: “Youʼre going to have to tune into Showtime on fight night and see.”

SB: I remember after your loss to Jose Andres Hernandez, a fight your were well ahead on the cards when you got caught, there was an interview with you on ESPN before your next bout and they asked if the loss made you contemplate changing your style a bit and add more defense. You replied “No, when I step in the ring itʼs either me or him, the fans came to see a fight and with me thatʼs what they re going to get.” Given the talent pool in the featherweight division and those surrounding it, do you feel at some point you will have no choice but to become more defensive?

JL: ” I am not going to have to fight defensive, just fight smarter. When you watch one of my fights though, no matter who it is against, you are getting your money’s worth, I can promise you that.”

SB: What is your game plan for the Guerrero bout?

JL: “You will find out come fight night.”

SB: What about Guerrero and his style is it that you feel you can capitalize on?

JL: “Guerrero is a good fighter, he is a world champion, I am just going to have to give 110%, go in and do my job.”

SB: With all the big names at featherweight like Chris John, Jorge Linares, Solis, and at super featherweight you have names like Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joan Guzman, what will be your first order of business as a title holder? Is there anyone in particular at 126 or 130 you would like to face?

JL: ” No one really. I donʼt want to get ahead of myself. Once that happens, then we will see, but I donʼt want to lose focus on this fight by thinking about future fights.”

SB: Boxing is in need of unification bouts to help sort out who is really the king of each division. Would you look to unify the titles if you win?

JL: “Itʼs possible. Like I said, I donʼt want to look too far ahead, I mean you can never tell what is going to happen. I could walk across the street tomorrow be hit by a car and die. This is America though, and anything is possible but my job is to fight, Main Events is my promoter and they will decide what is next.”

SB: Is there anything you want to say to your supporters out there?

JL: “I would like to first thank our troops fighting overseas, to let them know I appreciate everything they are doing and I hope everyone gets home safely. I hope they are entertained next week when they watch the fight. I want to thank my fans who have supported me through the upʼs and downs in my career.”

SB: Thanks for your time and Good Luck on the 29th.

JL: “Thank you.”